What should I look for in a Buffer...

I know everyone reccomend the Porter Cable and I agree Porter Cable is nice...(have a 19.2V drill and I will stand by that thing)

I am just gonna try and work on some light scratch and swirl removeing, not a weekly buffing, or running a business.

What are some specs and options to look for? Circular, orbital, certain Amp? Certain brands....

I might also hit up pawn shops.

Leaning towards something from Sears(got a $20 gift card), but open to all options.

 

Not really sure what you are looking for...seems like you know the PC is the way to go.

Cheapie buffers aren't worth much of anything, IMO.

Unless you have extensive experience, stay away from rotary buffers; orbital is what you'll want.

 

are you asking about a polisher or a buffer? Two different things. Like I have said many times, a good buffer is the way to go. If you just practice with it you don't have to worry about burning up the paint. I have used several different brands and I found the dewalt adjustable 1000-3000 rpm to be the best. I got it off of e-bay brand new for $174. This thing usually runs in the $300-$350 range. Works great.

 

DeWalt DW847

 

That's the one. Best made.

 

Actually, the Fein is usually regarded as one of the best rotary buffers.

 

i have been detailing show cars for years and i reccomend a milwakee varibable speed. what ever you buy, make sure it is a variable speed, that is my key to getting swirls out. without that you will be buffing paint at anywhere from 4500 to 5500 rpm's

 

I saw one today for $200...


Either way I went the cheap route...

3m light scratch and swirl remover with a 6 in. craftsman orbital buffer. $19.99 on sale, I had a gift card for $20 I found at work for sears, so I picked it up pretty much for free, and tried it out.

Worked like a charm got all the scratches out I wanted out, car cleaned up nicely. I didn't really try to get swirls out but my car isn't too bad with swirls. I still have scratches left in some spots, but this stuff worked better then I thought it would, some of the scratches I have are only really able to be fixed by paint(roof shingles during hurricanes) But from when I saw the damage a year ago till now, its a night and day difference.

I might try and go over other scratches and such that are a little more spread out one day and see how it goes.